30 days of gratitude - day 16

I am thankful for people who are passionate about what they do and work hard to motivate people around them. 

I am thankful that I get to interact with passionate people and be inspired by them on a daily basis. 

I am thankful that my nutella and toast almost tasted like a doughnut. 

I am thankful for public transportation. It's saved me hundreds of dollars in gas not to mention the cost of a parking permit.  

30 days of gratitude - day 15

Today, I'm thankful for Tuesdays. 

Why, you ask? Here are the top 10 reasons why:

1. I don't have class
2. I get to grocery shop (seriously. I love grocery shopping)
3. I don't have class
4. I have time to make dinner (stir fry tonight)
5. I don't have class
6. I get to catch up on homework
7. I don't have class
8. I have time to organize and clean
9. I don't have class
10. I get extra cuddle time with my cats 

Yep. That's why I'm thankful for Tuesdays! 

30 days of gratitude - day 14

I am thankful for my sister, Rachel.

Picture by: Michael McMullen

The girl texted me this morning and told me she got a 99.5 on her English paper. To say I'm proud of her is an understatement. 

Rachel is one of the brightest people I know. She's also one of the most bull-headed and stubborn people I know. If she thinks something is pointless (say, most of high school) she won't give it the time of day. 

Last year Rachel chose to live with me and TJ. She stayed with us for 6 months. When she moved in with us, I was so excited, but a little nervous. Let's just say Rach and I didn't get along all that well growing up. It wasn't until right before TJ and I got married that we started having conversations and connecting. 

That short time Rachel lived with us wasn't always sunshine and rainbows, but overall it was good for our sisterly relationship. I got to see a side of Rach I didn't know existed. And she got to experience something resembling independence. And we had plenty of hilarious adventures.  She's got a fantastic sense of humor and great taste in t.v. shows and movies. 

The main reason she chose to move home was to pursue school. She applied, got accepted, but then had to face some frustrations during the process. She was very close to giving up on the idea of school, but she stuck with it. 

And today she aced her English paper. 

I have a lot to learn from Rachel. She has a giant heart for people. Especially for the unloved, unwanted, and cast aside. She stands up for people, even if it means risking her own reputation. She's outspoken, passionate, and won't back down.

She's using her powers for good. 

She will make an excellent social worker someday. 

30 days of gratitude - day 13

Today I am thankful for my brother, Kevin.

This weekend he got to play Edmund in his school's play - The Chronicles of Narnia. My little brother has always be a bit theatrical. In a good way. He's got a kind heart, he's witty, and brilliant. He's pensive and insightful way beyond his years. He had to grow up with three very dramatic older sisters, so he's patient and understanding.

One of the hardest parts about being so far away from my family is missing him grow up. Every time I come home he's changed. His voice has gotten deeper, he's grown taller, become involved in new activities, and made new friends. He's not the little kid I remember when I moved away.

I'm thankful for Kevin because he brings a calming presence to my family. I'm thankful for the deep conversations we have. I'm thankful that he's been so kind to his crazy older sisters. And I'm thankful to have him as my brother.

30 days of gratitude - day 12

Today I am grateful for my sister, Elizabeth.

This morning, she landed in Cambodia to lead a team of volunteers to help girls who've been rescued from the brothels and sex trade.

Even though while we were growing up I was constantly annoyed by my nearly perfect older sister, I can't even express the amount of respect and admiration I have for my big sis now. She's an idealist and a dreamer. She sees good in people that no one else can see. She intelligent, articulate, and empathetic. She bikes everywhere she goes, even in the dead of a Wisconsin winter. She's ambitious, adventurous, and a great story teller.

You can check out her Cambodia blog here. She mentioned to me that she would be updating it during her stay in Cambodia. If you're the praying type, please keep her in your prayers.

30 days of gratitude - day 11

I guess it may seem obvious that since yesterday was Veteren's Day, I would be thankful for the veterans. 

I am. 

I don't come from a long line of family who have served in the military. In fact the only person who I know of was my Grampa's brother who served in WWII and was killed. I know that impacted my Grampa tremendously, and he never failed to show his love of country. 

Because this is an issue that hasn't hit close to home, I've had some difficulty connecting with this holiday. (Just being honest here...)

BUT, over the last year I've met people who've served in the military, or who've had brothers, dads, or husbands serve and I've had a tiny insight into the tremendous sacrifice that they've made. 

So I know I'm a day late, but thank you to those people who've chosen to make that sacrifice.  

30 days of gratitude - day 10

Today, I'm thankful that both TJ and I got out of class early and got a chance to cross quite a few things off of our ever-growing checklist of things to do.

I'm thankful for hot chocolate. Good smelling candles. Cuddly cats. My esthetician. And a night at home without homework ... (not that I don't have homework, it's just that I'm choosing not to do it).